On Saturday, April 11, the SHPE chapter at Virginia Commonwealth University welcomed U.S. Senator Tim Kaine to their Día de Ciencias, a program that brings hands-on learning and college readiness experiences to K-12 students and their families as they consider a future in STEM.

More than 50 students and family members participated in a full day of activities, including a Lego manufacturing lab, a civil engineering lab, a campus tour, and a financial literacy workshop on budgeting and planning for college. Industry partners also provided students and families with an up-close look at STEM field opportunities, with local professionals sharing insights about their roles and career backgrounds.

To kick off the day, Senator Kaine offered remarks in both English and Spanish, then spent the remainder of his visit at each station alongside VCU chapter members, who walked him through the activities and explained how each one strengthened the academic foundation students need to pursue STEM in higher education.

Conversations extended well beyond the activity tables, as chapter members spoke candidly with the Senator about their own STEM journeys, their experience as SHPE members, and the chapter’s commitment to growing their impact in the Richmond community. It was a unique and meaningful opportunity for students to engage directly with a sitting U.S. Senator on the issues that matter the most to their futures.

This initiative builds on the work many chapters have put forth to host Congressional staff at programs like Día de Ciencias, Noche de Ciencias, and Equipando Padres. Having Senator Kaine attend marks a milestone, not just for the VCU chapter, but for SHPE, as this was the first time a U.S. Senator participated in-person at a local event. This achievement reflects the initiative, preparation, and dedication of our chapters and their commitment to demonstrating the impact they have as STEM professionals and community leaders.

Special thanks go out to the VCU chapter, their advisor, and our industry partners for their leadership and generous support in making this event a success. 

Taking the step toward hosting an elected official at a chapter event starts with preparation. SHPE’s Government Relations team works directly with chapters to help them get there. If your chapter is ready to take that first step, reach out at [email protected] to get started!

We are grateful to share that SHPE has been awarded $236,000 in federal funding through the Fiscal Year 2026 Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Bill. This support comes from Congressional Directed Spending (CDS) requests championed by Senator Alex Padilla of California and enacted into law on February 3. The award is a significant milestone, signaling that early STEM talent development is a national priority worthy of federal investment. 

SHPE will use this funding to launch a hybrid program combining Virtual STEM Labs and Noche de Ciencias at two California middle schools, bringing hands-on, in-class learning and mentorship directly to students. The program is designed to make STEM visible, relevant, and achievable, connecting students with professionals whose career journeys can inspire them to become the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators. 

SHPE CEO Suzanna Valdez Wolfe reflected on the significance of the award: 

“The STEM Labs Program will allow us to remove barriers for young students who are curious about STEM, giving them hands-on experiences, mentorship, and role models whose life experiences and STEM journeys resonate with their own. We thank Senator Padilla and his team for believing in our mission and supporting our vision for this program.” 

Congressional Directed Spending is one of the most direct signals the federal government sends about where the national interest lies. Senator Padilla’s leadership on this request affirms what SHPE has long demonstrated: that strengthening the STEM talent pipeline is a matter of national competitiveness and economic strength. For industries that depend on a skilled STEM workforce across technology, engineering, defense, energy, and healthcare, this opportunity will attract private matching funds, giving the private sector a direct role in developing the talent pipeline. 

For SHPE, this federal investment is more than a recognition. It is an opportunity to accelerate what has been built through years of program design, community relationships, and advocacy. We are eager to launch the STEM Labs Program and deepen its impact on students, industries, and the nation. 

See Senator Padilla’s full list of secured projects: padilla.senate.gov 

On February 5, members of the SHPE DC Professional Chapter made history by hosting their first State Advocacy Day at the Virginia State Capitol. The event marked an important milestone in connecting the work of local SHPE chapters with Virginia’s broader efforts to strengthen the STEM talent pipeline and attract top talent to the Commonwealth.

Building on Virginia’s commitment to a talent-driven economy, chapter professionals emphasized that investing in people is essential to powering the state’s STEM future. As a key community partner, SHPE continues to advance Virginia’s workforce by fostering strong networks for students and professionals, engaging youth and families in college readiness programs, providing financial support for students, and expanding opportunities that promote adaptability and resilience in the workplace.

Inspired by National Hill Days, this new state-level initiative seeks to broaden leadership and civic engagement among SHPE chapter leaders nationwide. With guidance from SHPE’s Government Relations Department, chapters will organize a full day of meetings, share key messages, and participate in meaningful discussions while building relationships with state legislators and officials.

This effort highlights that meaningful progress happens not only in Washington, D.C., but also in state capitals, where decisions directly shape communities and drive economic growth. Through personal storytelling, SHPE members showcased the power of Hispanic leadership in Virginia, as professionals, mentors, and role models for students and families pursuing STEM careers.

This milestone demonstrates how SHPE DC professionals extend their leadership beyond the workplace, advancing initiatives that enhance education, strengthen communities, and foster a thriving STEM ecosystem across the Commonwealth.

On Thursday, January 29, the Indiana Professional Chapter hosted STEM for the Bold: Indianapolis Advocacy Day, meeting with city and state leaders to highlight the critical role of SHPE professionals in driving innovation, workforce readiness, and regional economic growth. The discussions also reinforced the chapter’s vision of bringing the 2026 SHPE National Convention to Indianapolis, a goal years in the making that will spotlight Indiana as a hub for STEM talent and industry investment. 

As SHPE National evaluates convention sites, factors such as accessibility, infrastructure, and long-term economic impact take precedence, making Indiana an ideal location for industry and workforce growth. With state chapters preparing to host this year’s convention, raising awareness among students, professionals, businesses, and government leaders is essential. The event not only attracts thousands of attendees seeking career development opportunities but also positions Indiana as a destination for high-skill STEM careers and corporate expansion. 

During meetings, chapter representatives met with Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett’s administration and city and state officials to share data on the measurable impact of SHPE Indiana’s professional programming. Through youth engagement, parent involvement, and professional development programs, the chapter directly supports the state’s projected 2.9% STEM workforce growth, expected to add nearly 168,000 skilled new roles by 2028. 

Programs like Noche de Ciencias and Equipando Padres were presented as models of early STEM engagement. These initiatives strengthen K-12 partnerships, encourage career exploration, and equip families to support students pursuing technical education, aligning with statewide efforts to develop a robust talent pipeline. 

Members also emphasized talent retention through initiatives such as ScholarSHPE and MentorSHPE. Sustaining Indiana’s STEM ecosystem depends on mentorship, career guidance, and leadership development that help professionals thrive at every stage of their careers. These programs create a continuous pipeline of skilled, career-ready individuals whose growth benefits not only their own trajectories but also the broader STEM workforce and the regional economy. 

Building on this foundation, members highlighted the transformative impact of SHPE’s National Convention. Beyond advancing individual careers, the Convention serves as a hub for networking, skill-building, and cross-sector collaboration. Hosting the event in Indianapolis would connect local talent with national opportunities, elevate the city’s STEM profile, and generate measurable economic value through workforce development and long-term industry investment. 

STEM for the Bold captures the spirit of the Indiana Professional Chapter’s mission of connecting people to meaningful careers, expanding pathways into high-demand fields, and fueling a stronger, innovation-driven economy. As Indianapolis continues to emerge as a national center for STEM talent and industry growth, this vision underscores a shared commitment to building opportunity, advancing competitiveness, and shaping a bold future for all Hoosiers.  

Photography credits: Chapital Photography 

On Wednesday, November 19, SHPE Board Strategic Committee Member Karen Santos participated as a panelist in the “Building the Latino Tech Workforce of the Future” session at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute’s (CHCI) 2025 Tech Summit. The discussion convened STEM ecosystem leaders to explore how emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, are transforming the future of work and how communities can prepare for both the opportunities and challenges ahead.

The topic was especially relevant for SHPE, as the Hispanic workforce has long been a long time cornerstone for industries being reshaped by technology. This pivotal moment calls for creating clear pathways into emerging sectors and leadership roles to ensure Hispanic professionals remain at the forefront of innovation.

To open the session, U.S. Representative Linda Sánchez delivered powerful remarks urging the audience to view technology as a bridge to greater opportunity, not a barrier to progress. She emphasized the need for affordable devices, high-quality digital training, and expanded broadband access to close the digital divide and drive growth across both rural and urban communities.

Throughout the panel, speakers examined how the rise of AI is redefining not only the nature of work, but also how individuals find meaning and purpose in it. They agreed that beyond salary and stability, meaningful work increasingly revolves around purpose, innovation, and long-term impact. While automation often dominates the conversation, panelists emphasized that AI can amplify human potential by elevating unique human strengths such as creativity, discernment, judgment, and problem-solving.

The conversation also underscored that building a strong and resilient talent pipeline requires more than just technical expertise. Panelists highlighted that soft skills such as communication, adaptability, and leadership are just as essential for long-term professional success. As Karen Santos shared, “SHPE leadership initiatives, such as NILA, help our members strengthen their ability to tune into their chapter’s needs, manage community outreach, and pursue cross-sector industry collaboration opportunities, all of which enhance their interpersonal skills and expand their professional networks.”

The unifying message of the panel was that the future of technology, and the workforce it shapes, will depend on deliberate investment in up-skilling, access to education, and opportunity. With the Hispanic workforce contributing an estimated $3.2 trillion to the U.S. economy, panelists underscored that developing strong talent pipelines is not only vital for community advancement but also for sustaining national economic competitiveness. By expanding pathways for professional growth and innovation, the U.S. can unlock higher productivity, generate quality jobs, and ensure that technology remains a powerful engine of prosperity for all communities and businesses across the country.

Reflecting on the discussion, SHPE Board Member Alejandra Leija shared, “Technological progress must include and empower everyone. That means investing in continuous learning and expanding access to technical education so professionals can thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world. At SHPE, we remain committed to ensuring the Hispanic community leads, without any lags, in shaping the future of innovation.”

The day’s discussions offered more than insights. It inspired a shared vision for a future where today’s workforce is empowered to lead in tomorrow’s economy. SHPE extends its heartfelt gratitude to CHCI President and CEO Marco Davis and his team for their partnership and dedication to fostering collaboration between government and industry leaders. Together, we are shaping the policies, innovations, and opportunities that will define America’s technological and economic progress for generations to come.

On September 29, the SHPE Colorado Professional Chapter partnered with Compass Academy to host Noche de Ciencias, a “Night of Science”, bringing students and community partners together for an afternoon of hands-on, engaging STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) learning.

SHPE Colorado volunteers led a range of interactive activities designed to spark creativity and curiosity, and they not only brought technical expertise but also served as inspiring role models, helping students see themselves in STEM professionals and showing that a future in these fields is both possible and within reach.

This partnership was made possible through the enthusiasm and leadership of Martin Zaborac, Instructional Coach at Compass Academy. With a background in mathematics, Martin embraced this initiative as an opportunity to expand access to STEM education and inspire students across the Denver community.

Special guests from the offices of U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper, U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, and U.S. Representative Diana DeGette attended to learn more about SHPE Colorado’s community-driven efforts to advance Hispanics in STEM. Their presence highlighted the value of programs like Noche de Ciencias, which, in partnership with schools like Compass Academy, foster informal STEM learning opportunities that empower students to explore, experiment, and envision themselves as future innovators. By combining the expertise of SHPE volunteers with Compass Academy’s commitment to delivering impactful STEM experiences, these programs strengthen Denver’s STEM talent pipeline and nurture students’ belief that they, too, can thrive as future leaders in science and technology.

SHPE’s Noche de Ciencias™ (NdC) program is a national initiative that engages and motivates Hispanic and non-Hispanic youth to pursue STEM degrees and careers. Organized by SHPE Professional and University Chapters nationwide, these events connect students with local role models and mentors who show what’s possible through a STEM education.

Together, we are creating pathways for the next generation of Hispanic leaders in STEM.

In this special podcast episode, SHPE CEO Suzanna Valdez Wolfe sits down with Congresswoman Luz Rivas, an MIT-trained electrical engineer, non-profit founder, and the only Latina in Congress with a STEM background for a powerful conversation about her inspiring journey.

From growing up in the San Fernando Valley to shaping policy in Washington, Congresswoman Rivas shares how her technical expertise informs her work as a legislator and advocate.

Together, they explore the intersection of leadership, service, and STEM, and how a career in science and engineering can be a catalyst for lasting community impact.

LISTEN HERE ON SPOTIFY

LISTEN HERE ON APPLE

On September 15, Congresswoman Luz Rivas introduced House Resolution 718, a bipartisan measure focused on improving Latino participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). As the only Latina in Congress with a STEM background and Co-Chair of the STEM Education Caucus, Rep. Rivas brings a unique perspective that resonates deeply with SHPE’s mission. Her leadership highlights why representation matters. Not just in the classroom or the workplace, but also in spaces where priorities are set and decisions about the future of innovation are made.

Building on this commitment to representation, SHPE had the privilege of contributing to this effort by adding notable data from the 2024 SHPE-LDC U.S. Latinos in Engineering and Tech Report, which highlights key motivators driving Latino interest and persistence in STEM. The findings further underscore the community’s eagerness to contribute, innovate, and make a lasting impact on society.

Moreover, the Resolution emphasizes that when Latino students are empowered to explore their curiosity and creativity, the impact extends well beyond a single community. A stronger STEM workforce that reflects the full range of talent in our country fuels innovation, drives new solutions, and strengthens America’s competitiveness in the global economy. 

This vision is already becoming a reality. Latino students and professionals are contributing groundbreaking ideas and shaping the future of STEM today. With mentorship, visibility, and consistent investment, their impact will only expand. That’s why policy, education, and community partnerships must align to ensure every Latino student sees STEM not only as a possibility, but as a space where they belong and can lead.

At SHPE, we are deeply grateful for our partnerships with schools, universities, and companies that make it possible to continue driving change. Whether through STEM events, mentorship programs, or by opening doors to internships and scholarships, these collaborations expand opportunities for Latino students and professionals. This resolution underscores the value of such efforts, highlighting that Latino talent is not only vital to our community but essential to America’s progress.

Here’s what the resolution sets out to do:

• Promote economic empowerment by supporting more Latino men and women in STEM.
• Acknowledge the underrepresentation of Latinos in STEM and its cost to industries and the broader economy.
• Call for greater investment in Latino communities to develop a strong and diverse STEM workforce.
• Encourage federal support for programs that expand Latino access to STEM pathways, especially in engineering.
• Recognize the key role of Hispanic-Serving Institutions and other colleges in preparing Latino students for STEM careers.

Each of us has a role to play in STEM. What’s next?

• Advocate locally: Support STEM electives, after-school programs, or SHPE chapter partnerships that prepare students for college and beyond.
• Mentor or volunteer: Share your story, guide a student, or open a door that could change someone’s life.
• Amplify the message: Let others know why this resolution matters to you and encourage them to share their own journeys in STEM.

See Congresswoman Rivas press release HERE.

This past month, a group of SHPE representatives traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet members of Congress and key staff, bringing an urgent message about how SHPE is proactively delivering solutions to address the nation’s workforce shortages. This visit came at a critical time, as policymakers weigh new investments and strategies to sustain U.S. leadership in science, technology, and innovation. 

With nearly 12 million new STEM jobs projected in the next 6 years, SHPE delegates emphasized the organization’s five-decade legacy of delivering measurable results through tailored programs in education, mentorship, and career readiness. Over the years, the organization has consistently closed opportunity gaps, advanced innovation, promoted entrepreneurship, and contributed meaningfully to the strength of the U.S. economy. As the STEM economy continues to grow, SHPE’s longstanding investments in accessibility and building a strong talent pipeline prove to be vital.  

During their visit to Congress, the delegation called on lawmakers to accelerate strategic partnerships with STEM-focused nonprofits like SHPE. By expanding access to informal STEM learning and supporting professional readiness at every career stage, SHPE continues to play a critical role in growing the STEM talent pool in the country. As a leading national organization delivering high-impact wraparound programs that serve students and professionals when needed most, SHPE has proactively addressed recurring and emerging workforce needs nationwide. 

SHPE delegates shared personal stories about how federal investments in STEM education and careers transformed their lives. As accomplished engineers, entrepreneurs, organization leaders, and respected innovators in their fields, they spoke from lived experience, underscoring both the transformational power of opportunity and the responsibility they feel to create it for others.  

I know that SHPE’s impact is real because I am a product of it. Growing up in a household where ‘engineering’ was never a commonly used word, I found in SHPE the support and mentorship that guided me through my STEM journey and led me to where I am today. That is why I remain committed to investing my time to support and advocate for the next generation of Hispanic STEMists. Advocacy in STEM is not just valuable, it is necessary. It ensures that students from all backgrounds can envision a future in these fields, access meaningful opportunities, and develop the confidence to lead. – William Gonzalez, Former 7 Region RVP 

“Being back on the Hill to advocate for SHPE’s community felt like a full-circle moment one that built on past momentum and deepened our commitment to progress. We highlighted SHPE’s role not only in expanding access, but in tackling pressing national challenges like closing the STEM workforce gap, driving skill-building efforts, and addressing the often-overlooked issue of ‘brain drain’. This experience was a powerful reminder that policy and representation go hand-in-hand when it comes to growing the STEM pipeline.” – Karen Santos, Former Board Secretary 

As a booming population segment and vital driver of economic growth, consumer spending, innovation, and entrepreneurship, the Hispanic community will be central to national efforts intended to solve the nation’s STEM workforce shortfall. Expanding Hispanic participation across all STEM fields, from early education to advanced research and executive leadership, is essential to building a resilient and sustainable economy. 

For over 50 years, SHPE has made a measurable impact on the availability of quality STEM talent through its 1000,000+ strong all-time membership. SHPE remains committed in its mission to drive meaningful progress to close the skills gap and empower the next generation of STEM leaders. Visits like these to Capitol Hill and to those at the local level remind our lawmakers of the growing need for STEM talent and SHPE’s unique position to help fill that need. 

Interested in learning how to deliver this message to your local lawmakers? We can make that happen! Please reach out to Mariana Acuna Delgado at [email protected] to discuss the opportunity. 

RESEARCHER Act: Addressing Financial Insecurity Among Graduate & Postdoctoral Researchers 

On May 7, Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Alex Padilla (D-CA), introduced the bipartisan RESEARCHER (Relieving Economic Strain to Enhance American Resilience & Competitiveness in Higher Education & Research) Act, designed to address critical financial barriers impacting graduate and postdoctoral researchers and significantly shaping the future of the U.S. scientific workforce. 

This legislation seeks to tackle non-academic barriers such as food and housing insecurity, child or family care costs, and student loan debt, to better understand how these stressors derail the chances of researchers from achieving promising careers while preventing the country’s ability of cultivating a resilient and competitive STEM workforce.    

At SHPE, we are familiar with the negative effects of such barriers experienced by our membership. On an annual basis, SHPE assesses membership needs allowing us to improve our programming and events. In our 2024 Needs Assessment, 60% of SHPE graduate students and postdoctoral members reported difficulty balancing academic and personal responsibilities, and 48% cited experiencing financial constraints. For many, these challenges are often juggled with caregiving duties, as 9.3% identify as parents or caregivers.  

Even more alarming, our 2024 SHPE-LDC U.S. Latinos in Engineering and Tech Report identified that 41% of our graduate members reported facing food insecurity “often” or “sometimes,” and 28.1% experienced food or housing insecurity. While financial constraints can take many forms, it is evident that graduate students struggle to meet the most basic living needs as they pursue their academic goals. 

Building off on our 2023-2024 Needs Assessment, our data also tracked the high aspirations of our undergraduate members for advanced education. We found that more than half (54%) of our student members want to earn a master’s or doctoral degree, and over 41% of our graduate members intend to pursue a doctorate. However, despite this strong desire and indication to pursue advanced degrees, only 3.6% of doctoral degrees in engineering, out of the 4.9% master’s degree awarded, were awarded to those that identify as Hispanic.   

Notably, this gap between ambition and attainment suggests that many highly capable and motivated students face persistent barriers, limiting their potential to earn advanced degrees. As STEM employment occupations are projected to reach 11.8 million in 2033,  the urgency to fill these roles is clear and we must continue investigating the barriers that many individuals experience in this critical segment of the workforce to ensure they reach their fullest potential and that our nation retains them in high-growth and high-impact STEM sectors.  

The RESEARCHER Act is a vital first step toward improving the landscape of financial stressors for up-and-coming researchers and innovators. As a nation, we cannot afford to lose critical STEM talent to preventable challenges such as housing and food insecurity or unaffordable childcare. 

At SHPE, we are committed to supporting our members in their pursuit of academic and professional excellence. Supporting the next generation of researchers isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s essential to fostering and retaining the future of American innovation. 

To read out Letter of Support click HERE 

To read the RESEARCHER Act one-pager click HERE 

Consider donating to our ALL-IN Relief Fund: Launched in 2020 to support our member needs during the national pandemic. As we have transitioned through post-pandemic, we know that many of our members still have needs for day-to-day living that are not covered through other funding opportunities. Through the generous support of donors, we are able to continue offering aid to our members. To learn more, click ALL-IN SHPE Relief Fund.